--- title: "Pulse Processing Unit (PPU)" date: "2025-03-19T12:03:35+00:00" modified: "2026-03-27T11:18:06+00:00" url: "https://www.quantum-machines.co/technology/pulse-processing-unit/" description: "The Pulse Processing Unit (PPU) is an advanced classical processor central to Quantum Machines’ Hybrid Control approach" --- # Pulse Processing Unit (PPU) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/QM_HPU-1.webp) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Hero_D4_002-1.webp) Real-Time Quantum Control at the Pulse Level [Request a Demo](#) The Pulse Processing Unit (PPU) is an advanced classical processor central to Quantum Machines’ Hybrid Control approach. By positioning classical computing resources as close as possible to the quantum hardware, the PPU enables real-time execution of quantum control protocols with minimal overhead, ensuring rapid comprehensive and frictionless operation. Built into every OPX1000 front-end module ([LF-FEM](/products/opx1000/) and [MW-FEM](/products/opx1000/)) and [OPX](/products/opx/)+ system, multiple PPUs operate as one, orchestrating control, readout, and calculations, handling data sharing and synchronization. ## Unmatched Real-Time Processing Capabilities The PPU is a 16-core classical processor designed for parallel, real-time quantum control operations. These cores can simultaneously generate and manipulate pulses to control, receive and process data from qubits, and execute real-time Turing-complete classical calculations. The result is ultra-fast feedback loops, enabling real-time adaptive control based directly on measurement outcomes. With the PPU technology at their core, OPX hybrid controllers can execute the most complex dynamic protocols and deliver unmatched performance. They significantly reduce sequence execution times, achieving speeds tens or even hundreds of times faster than other controllers. - Active reset latency < 160 ns - QPU utilization in Cross-Entropy Benchmarking (XEB) >97% ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/OPX-OPX1000-ppu-1.webp) ## Unique External Acceleration The [NVIDIA DGX Quantum](/solutions/open-acceleration-stack/) solution, co-developed with NVIDIA, establishes a direct high-bandwidth, ultra-low latency connection between GPU/CPU resources and the PPU. NVIDIA DGX Quantum is the first implementation of bounded-latency integration between CPU/GPU servers and QPUs, with full compatibility with NVIDIA NVQLink, the open architecture for hybrid quantum-classical supercomputing. This ultra-fast data link provides communication between the PPU and the CPU/GPU via QM’s OP-NIC, acting as real-time interconnect at speeds that are at least 1,000 times faster than conventional interfaces. Such integration significantly enhances advanced hybrid workflows critical for scaling quantum systems – including quantum error correction, accelerated calibration protocols, and emerging hybrid quantum-classical algorithms. - GPU/CPU – PPU data round trip latency <4 µs ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NVIDIA-DGX-Quantum-OPX1000_new-2.webp) ## Easy as Pseudo Coding PPUs are programmed with [QUA](https://www.quantum-machines.co/technology/pulse-processing-unit/) – an open-source programming language designed specifically to combine quantum control with classical computation and intuitive control flow. QUA provides pulse-level programming while remaining super easy to use and understand as pseudo coding. QUA is central to Quantum Machines’ hybrid development platform which includes a comprehensive library of ready-to-use control applications that significantly reduce development time. As part of this platform, QUA programs can also be seamlessly integrated and controlled through QUAlibrate, Quantum Machines’ automated, scalable calibration solution for quantum computers powered by OPX hybrid controllers. ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Diagram2-1.webp) ## Benefits ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HPU1.svg) #### The New Possible Run complex dynamic algorithms that are impossible with other controllers. ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HPU4.svg) #### Seamlessly Scale Multiple PPUs are programmed as one and operate together, synchronizing control, readout, and real-time processing. ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Layer_1-6.svg) #### Leverage Powerful, Unique GPU/CPU Acceleration Sub-4 µs latency fuels hybrid quantum-classical computing via NVIDIA DGX Quantum. ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HPU3.svg) #### Faster, Frictionless Development Benefit from a hybrid development platform with QUA, QUAlibrate, and a vast library of control flows that save you time. ## Headline ## Testimonials ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ALICE-and-BOB-logo.webp) ### A&B roadmap enabled by OPX "Quantum Machines' OPX played a key role in our roadmap. It enabled us to get the best control electronics out there \[FPGA\] without having to learn how to program them. QM provides a very scalable, very easy to use and very powerful hardware, which allows us to focus on the quantum science." [Watch Video >>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/resources/video/towards-a-quantum-advantage-quantum-machines-alice-bob/) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Capture-1.png) **Théau Peronnin** CEO and Co-Founder Alice & Bob ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ALICE-and-BOB-logo.webp) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Caltech_Logo.svg) ### Mid-circuit calibration accelerates advanced teleportation research “The Quantum Machines OPX control system has been an enabling technology for our research. It provides unparalleled flexibility and ease of use for experiments requiring real-time quantum feedforward control. With the integrated high-resolution time tagging, this platform is a no-brainer for advanced quantum networking experiments.” [See case study>>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Faraon-1.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Picture1.jpg) **Prof. Andrei Faraon** William L. Valentine Professor of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering, Caltech ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Caltech_Logo.svg) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Diraq.png) ### Significantly streamlining the experimental process ”Diraq is delighted to partner with Quantum Machines, and credits their OPX control system, with its real-time capabilities, as instrumental in achieving the results outlined in our research. The ease of programming sequences in QUA **significantly streamlined the experimental process.**” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-25-144413-273x300.png) **Prof. Andrew Dzurak** CEO, Diraq ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Diraq.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/vert-w-crest-logo-web-digital-color-300x200.png) ### Outstanding support. Performing and easy-to-use product “My group is completely satisfied with the multiple OPX systems we’ve purchased. Qubit bring-up is fast and easy, as is optimization of high-fidelity microwave and z-pulse gates. The technical support team at Quantum Machines is outstanding.” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/McDermott_5887-e1589568989289-300x300-1.jpg) **Prof. Robert F. McDermott** University of Wisconsin-Madison ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/vert-w-crest-logo-web-digital-color-300x200.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dartmouth-College-Logo-300x169.png) ### Simple to use, yet very powerful “We are very impressed to see how simple yet powerful the OPX controller is, as we rebuilt our noise spectrometer for NV centers in a fraction of the time it took us with other instruments. Now, a student with no experimental experience can run the system autonomously, even programming new and advanced dynamical decoupling sequences which include real-time computation. QM's controller is easy to use, and its unique capabilities enable fast and steady progress in our lab.” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20220720_ramanathan_eb_003-1-239x300.jpg) **Prof. Chandrasekhar Ramanathan** Dartmouth College ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dartmouth-College-Logo-300x169.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LOGO_DEGRADADO_-4-300x60.png) ### Fast development & great support “Incorporating the OPX+ in our measurement instruments allowed us to set up time-domain measurements in minutes, seriously speeding up our sample characterization process. ​ With the provided extensive live online help we get the support from QM's experts to further debug any problems arising during measurements. With QM support Qilimanjaro can deliver their differential Analog Quantum Computers based on superconducting qubit technology.” ​ ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/DanielSzombati_Qilimanjaro-241x300.jpeg) **Daniel Szombati** Senior Hardware Quantum Engineer, Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech​ ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LOGO_DEGRADADO_-4-300x60.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Picture2.png) ### Using the OPX has been simplifying our work in many respects "Using the OPX has been simplifying our work in many respects due to the intuitive implementation of sequences within QUA. In addition, the support by QM helped us debugging possible issues with swift responses and an easy and informal way of getting in touch over Discord.” [Check case study >>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ETH.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Picture1.jpg) **Prof. Yiwen Chu** Professor at ETH Zürich, and Principal Investigator at the Hybrid Quantum Systems Group. ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Picture2.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Seal_of_the_United_States_Department_of_State.svg-300x300.png) ### 6-qubit multiplexed power Rabi in 48 hours from unboxing "Writing our experiments \[with QUA\] is easy and intuitive, and we can now focus on the physics instead. In two days we had brought up our (6-q) chip completely, calibrated all parameters, and wrote the pulse sequence of our final experiment." [See case study >>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/29.pdf) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/anonymous-icon-0-300x300.png) **Principal Investigator** Large US Govt. Contractor ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Seal_of_the_United_States_Department_of_State.svg-300x300.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Picture2-300x207.png) ### Most flexible and user-friendly system in our lab "OPX played a crucial role in our advanced quantum experiments. This platform is the most flexible and user-friendly system in our lab. It saved us a significant amount of time, enabling us to concentrate on quantum science and make progress much faster compared to writing our own code. Furthermore, the Quantum Machines customer success team has been extremely helpful in addressing our needs and maximizing the solution's full potential." ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Picture1-292x300.jpg) **Prof. Johannes Fink** Institute of Science and Technology Austria ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Picture2-300x207.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MIT-Logo-300x169.png) ### Everything in just three intuitive lines of code "The QUA python interface is great, everything you want to do is just three intuitive lines of code. The OPX is one of the only things in the lab that is working exactly as it should." ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture4-300x300.png) **Dr. Josiah Sinclair** NSERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MIT-Logo-300x169.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture2.png) ### I have rarely encountered a company as remarkable as Quantum Machines "I regard Quantum Machines as the quintessential example of how deep-tech companies should operate in harmony. Their OPX+ devices exemplify excellence, and the team's unmatched business ethos sets them apart. From unboxing the OPX+ to the first measurements is a truly exhilarating experience. They consistently go above and beyond for their customers, ensuring mutual success. Transitioning from academia to the startup realm, I have rarely encountered a company as remarkable as Quantum Machines." ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture3.png) **Dr. Gopi Balasubramanian** CEO and Co-founder XeedQ ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture2.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/University-of-Sydney-1-300x278.png) ### OPX is a very powerful tool ”It’s hard not to be sad about not using OPX+ while I was doing my PhD/post doc. **OPX+ is a very powerful tool.**” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/xanthe_croot-2-297x300.jpg) **Prof. Xanthe Croot** Institute of Photonics and Optical Science, University of Sydney ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/University-of-Sydney-1-300x278.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/logo-uibk.svg) ### Saved two years of development “Developing a functional qubit control electronic system absorbs a PhD-student full time at least for two years. QM’S Quantum Orchestration Platform allowed us set up experiments for full qubit characterization in 2-3 days with an undergraduate summer school student.” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Prof.-Dr.-Gerhard-Kirchmair-1.png) **Prof. Gerhard Kirchmair** University of Innsbruck ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/logo-uibk.svg) ## Headline ## Testimonials A&B roadmap enabled by OPX "Quantum Machines' OPX played a key role in our roadmap. It enabled us to get the best control electronics out there \[FPGA\] without having to learn how to program them. QM provides a very scalable, very easy to use and very powerful hardware, which allows us to focus on the quantum science." [Watch Video >>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/resources/video/towards-a-quantum-advantage-quantum-machines-alice-bob/) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Capture-1.png) **Théau Peronnin** CEO and Co-Founder Alice & Bob ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ALICE-and-BOB-logo.webp) Mid-circuit calibration accelerates advanced teleportation research “The Quantum Machines OPX control system has been an enabling technology for our research. It provides unparalleled flexibility and ease of use for experiments requiring real-time quantum feedforward control. With the integrated high-resolution time tagging, this platform is a no-brainer for advanced quantum networking experiments.” [See case study>>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Faraon-1.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Picture1.jpg) **Prof. Andrei Faraon** William L. Valentine Professor of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering, Caltech ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Caltech_Logo.svg) Significantly streamlining the experimental process ”Diraq is delighted to partner with Quantum Machines, and credits their OPX control system, with its real-time capabilities, as instrumental in achieving the results outlined in our research. The ease of programming sequences in QUA **significantly streamlined the experimental process.**” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-25-144413-273x300.png) **Prof. Andrew Dzurak** CEO, Diraq ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Diraq.png) Outstanding support. Performing and easy-to-use product “My group is completely satisfied with the multiple OPX systems we’ve purchased. Qubit bring-up is fast and easy, as is optimization of high-fidelity microwave and z-pulse gates. The technical support team at Quantum Machines is outstanding.” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/McDermott_5887-e1589568989289-300x300-1.jpg) **Prof. Robert F. McDermott** University of Wisconsin-Madison ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/vert-w-crest-logo-web-digital-color-300x200.png) Simple to use, yet very powerful “We are very impressed to see how simple yet powerful the OPX controller is, as we rebuilt our noise spectrometer for NV centers in a fraction of the time it took us with other instruments. Now, a student with no experimental experience can run the system autonomously, even programming new and advanced dynamical decoupling sequences which include real-time computation. QM's controller is easy to use, and its unique capabilities enable fast and steady progress in our lab.” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20220720_ramanathan_eb_003-1-239x300.jpg) **Prof. Chandrasekhar Ramanathan** Dartmouth College ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dartmouth-College-Logo-300x169.png) Fast development & great support “Incorporating the OPX+ in our measurement instruments allowed us to set up time-domain measurements in minutes, seriously speeding up our sample characterization process. ​ With the provided extensive live online help we get the support from QM's experts to further debug any problems arising during measurements. With QM support Qilimanjaro can deliver their differential Analog Quantum Computers based on superconducting qubit technology.” ​ ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/DanielSzombati_Qilimanjaro-241x300.jpeg) **Daniel Szombati** Senior Hardware Quantum Engineer, Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech​ ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LOGO_DEGRADADO_-4-300x60.png) Using the OPX has been simplifying our work in many respects "Using the OPX has been simplifying our work in many respects due to the intuitive implementation of sequences within QUA. In addition, the support by QM helped us debugging possible issues with swift responses and an easy and informal way of getting in touch over Discord.” [Check case study >>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ETH.png) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Picture1.jpg) **Prof. Yiwen Chu** Professor at ETH Zürich, and Principal Investigator at the Hybrid Quantum Systems Group. ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Picture2.png) 6-qubit multiplexed power Rabi in 48 hours from unboxing "Writing our experiments \[with QUA\] is easy and intuitive, and we can now focus on the physics instead. In two days we had brought up our (6-q) chip completely, calibrated all parameters, and wrote the pulse sequence of our final experiment." [See case study >>](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/29.pdf) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/anonymous-icon-0-300x300.png) **Principal Investigator** Large US Govt. Contractor ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Seal_of_the_United_States_Department_of_State.svg-300x300.png) Most flexible and user-friendly system in our lab "OPX played a crucial role in our advanced quantum experiments. This platform is the most flexible and user-friendly system in our lab. It saved us a significant amount of time, enabling us to concentrate on quantum science and make progress much faster compared to writing our own code. Furthermore, the Quantum Machines customer success team has been extremely helpful in addressing our needs and maximizing the solution's full potential." ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Picture1-292x300.jpg) **Prof. Johannes Fink** Institute of Science and Technology Austria ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Picture2-300x207.png) Everything in just three intuitive lines of code "The QUA python interface is great, everything you want to do is just three intuitive lines of code. The OPX is one of the only things in the lab that is working exactly as it should." ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture4-300x300.png) **Dr. Josiah Sinclair** NSERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MIT-Logo-300x169.png) I have rarely encountered a company as remarkable as Quantum Machines "I regard Quantum Machines as the quintessential example of how deep-tech companies should operate in harmony. Their OPX+ devices exemplify excellence, and the team's unmatched business ethos sets them apart. From unboxing the OPX+ to the first measurements is a truly exhilarating experience. They consistently go above and beyond for their customers, ensuring mutual success. Transitioning from academia to the startup realm, I have rarely encountered a company as remarkable as Quantum Machines." ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture3.png) **Dr. Gopi Balasubramanian** CEO and Co-founder XeedQ ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture2.png) OPX is a very powerful tool ”It’s hard not to be sad about not using OPX+ while I was doing my PhD/post doc. **OPX+ is a very powerful tool.**” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/xanthe_croot-2-297x300.jpg) **Prof. Xanthe Croot** Institute of Photonics and Optical Science, University of Sydney ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/University-of-Sydney-1-300x278.png) Saved two years of development “Developing a functional qubit control electronic system absorbs a PhD-student full time at least for two years. QM’S Quantum Orchestration Platform allowed us set up experiments for full qubit characterization in 2-3 days with an undergraduate summer school student.” ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Prof.-Dr.-Gerhard-Kirchmair-1.png) **Prof. Gerhard Kirchmair** University of Innsbruck ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/logo-uibk.svg) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ALICE-and-BOB-logo.webp) A&B roadmap enabled by OPX ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Caltech_Logo.svg) Mid-circuit calibration accelerates advanced teleportation research ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Diraq.png) Significantly streamlining the experimental process ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/vert-w-crest-logo-web-digital-color-300x200.png) Outstanding support. Performing and easy-to-use product ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dartmouth-College-Logo-300x169.png) Simple to use, yet very powerful ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LOGO_DEGRADADO_-4-300x60.png) Fast development & great support ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Picture2.png) Using the OPX has been simplifying our work in many respects ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Seal_of_the_United_States_Department_of_State.svg-300x300.png) 6-qubit multiplexed power Rabi in 48 hours from unboxing ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Picture2-300x207.png) Most flexible and user-friendly system in our lab ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MIT-Logo-300x169.png) Everything in just three intuitive lines of code ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture2.png) I have rarely encountered a company as remarkable as Quantum Machines ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/University-of-Sydney-1-300x278.png) OPX is a very powerful tool ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/logo-uibk.svg) Saved two years of development ## Accelerate the Realization of Practical Quantum Computing [Contact us](/contact-us/) ## Take the Next Step ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Asset-3.svg) Have a specific experiment in mind and wondering about the best quantum control and electronics setup? [Talk to an Expert](https://www.quantum-machines.co/contact-us/) ![](https://www.quantum-machines.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-175897-1.svg) Want to see what our quantum control and cryogenic electronics solutions can do for your qubits? [Request a Demo](https://www.quantum-machines.co/request-demo/)